The Public Education Foundation has recently refreshed its brand, including a new logo and visual identity. Our current website is being updated as part of this transition, with a completely new PEF website scheduled to launch in November 2026. Our new logo will also appear on PEF prepaid Visa cards used to distribute scholarship payments to eligible students. In the meantime, you may notice elements of our new brand appearing across this site and in our communications as we progressively roll out the new identity.
Public Education Foundation Scholarships
Every student deserves the chance to go further – and at PEF, we believe a public school education is the foundation for that future. Our scholarships exist to open doors: helping students discover what they’re capable of, supporting the teachers and principals who shape their journey, and easing the load for families along the way.
Whether you’re a student dreaming bigger, a parent backing that dream, or a school championing your community’s talent, there’s a place for you here.
Apply for 2027
Our next scholarship cycle opens from 29 June 2026. Check back during this period to explore what’s on offer and find the opportunity that’s right for you.
Applications open* according to the following schedule:
- Tertiary – Monday 29 June 2026 to Friday 18 September 2026
- Secondary – Monday 20 July 2026 to Friday 25 September 2026
- Primary – Monday 3 August 2026 to Friday 9 October 2026
- Principals and Teachers – Monday 7 September 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027
* Additional scholarships may be added during the application window, so please check back regularly for updates.
Ready to find your scholarship?
→ Visit the scholarship portal ← to see what you’re eligible for and start your application.
Got a question?
Our Scholarships team is here to help. Email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au or call us on 02 7814 2806.
| Scholarship | Location | Year (2027) | Overview | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEU South Australian Primary Scholarship | SA | Reception, 1-3 | Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the early years of a public primary school in regional, rural or remote South Australia. Recipients receive $1,000 a year for up to four years to help cover the everyday costs of school. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Education Union, the scholarship backs country students through the years when confidence and love of learning take hold. | Apply now |
| David S Ratner Scholarship | NSW | K-6 | Support for students in NSW public education who identify as Jewish and are facing hardship that could limit what they achieve at school. Recipients receive $1,000 a year for up to five years – $5,000 in total – to help cover books, a device, tutoring, excursions and course fees. The scholarship may apply to the student transitioning from primary school to high school, or high school to tertiary study, provided they stay in public education. | Apply now |
| NSW Primary Principals Association Scholarship | NSW | K-6 | Support for a student at a NSW public primary school whose family is finding the everyday costs of school hard to meet. Recipients receive assistance for one year for the uniforms, books, device, excursions and camps that decide whether a child takes part or sits out. Funded by the NSW Primary Principals’ Association, whose members see that pressure before anyone outside the family does. | Apply now |
| NSW Teachers Federation Primary Scholarship | NSW | 3 | Support for a student starting Year 3 at a NSW public primary school whose family is finding the everyday costs of school hard to meet. Five scholarships are offered for four continuous years, through to the end of Year 6. Funded by the NSW Teachers Federation, whose members see that pressure in the same classroom year after year. | Apply now |
| PEF Primary Scholarship | NSW | K-6 | Support for a student at a NSW public primary school, Kindergarten to Year 6, whose family is finding the everyday costs of school hard to meet. Four scholarships are offered for the uniforms, books, device, excursions and camps that decide whether a child takes part. Offered by the Foundation itself, funded by donors who gave without saying where it should go. | Apply now |
| Rural and Remote Indigenous Primary Scholarship | Australia-wide | K-6 | Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at rural and remote public primary schools anywhere in Australia. Worth $1,000 every year through to the end of Year 6 – up to $5,000 – covering uniforms and shoes, a device, internet at home, tutoring, excursions and camps. It runs the length of primary school, so a child who starts strong has backing the whole way. | Apply now |
| Una May Smith Primary Scholarship | NSW | K-6 | Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW public schools with the potential to finish school and go on to university or TAFE. Six scholarships are awarded, one for every Stage group from Kindergarten to Year 12, each worth $1,000 a year for two years. Named for Una May Smith, a teacher with long ties to La Perouse Public School, who left part of her estate to make it possible. | Apply now |
| Vorsay Scholarship | NSW | 2-6 | Support for a NSW public school student entering Year 2 who shows strong potential, but whose family’s financial situation could limit it. This scholarship assists a child for five straight years – $1,000 every year from Year 2 through to Year 6 – for the books, the device, the tutoring, the camp they’d otherwise sit out. One scholarship is awarded each year. | Apply now |
| Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship | NSW | 5 | Support for NSW public school students entering Year 5 whose families are doing it tough and who deserve a fair run at the last two years of primary school. $1,000 a year across Years 5 and 6, arriving right when the pressure of high school starts to build – and there are up to 25 to give away. Funded by the Waratah Education Foundation, which believes no child’s potential should be decided by their postcode. | Apply now |
| Scholarship | Location | Year (2027) | Overview | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship | NSW | 11-12 | Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students moving through their final two years of a NSW public high school. Recipients receive $2,000 across Year 11 and 12 to help cover the costs of finishing school and preparing for what comes next. Delivered in partnership with the Aboriginal Education Council, the scholarship also connects students to a wider community backing them through the HSC and beyond. | Apply now |
| Acacia Program Scholarships | Australia-wide | 11-12 | A two-year scholarship and mentoring program connecting Year 11-12 public school students with successful alumni from their own school community. Alongside financial support, students gain access to mentoring, career coaching, industry exposure and skills workshops designed to build confidence and open doors money alone can’t buy. Because where you start in life should never determine where you end up. | Apply now |
| ACT Education Directorate Secondary Scholarship | ACT | 7-12 | Support for students at ACT public schools who bring a positive attitude to their learning and take part in school and community life. Recipients receive help with the everyday costs of schooling – a device, uniforms, camps, textbooks, sport and music – across two years of their secondary education. Delivered in partnership with the ACT Education Directorate, the scholarship also connects scholars to study support. | Apply now |
| AEU Federal Secondary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 8-11 | Support for students in Years 8 to 11 at public secondary schools anywhere in Australia who are facing hardship. Recipients receive funding over two years to help cover uniforms, subject fees, learning materials and a device that works. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Education Union – Federal, the scholarship aims to help students who want to finish school well. | Apply now |
| AEU Victoria Secondary Indigenous Scholarship | VIC | 10-12 | This scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Victorian public schools to complete their final years of secondary education and move confidently into further study, training or work. It’s open to students entering the final three years of secondary school who show a genuine commitment to finishing Year 12, alongside financial, social, geographic or systemic barriers that could limit their opportunities without support. | Apply now |
| AEU Victoria Secondary Refugee Scholarship | VIC | 10-12 | This scholarship supports students of refugee background in Victorian public schools to complete their final years of secondary education and pursue their goals beyond school. It’s open to students entering the final three years of secondary school who are experiencing disadvantage and show a desire to complete Year 12 and continue on to post-secondary study. | Apply now |
| Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship | NSW | 8-12 | Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in New South Wales government high schools who are working towards Year 12 and university. Recipients receive a minimum of $1,000 over one year to help cover school costs, learning equipment and the extras that keep study on track. Established through a bequest from Andrew Casey, the scholarship lets PEF extend support to more of the strong Indigenous applicants it sees each year. | Apply now |
| Behrang Dehestani Scholarship | NSW | 9-10 | Established by the Dehestani Family in memory of their son Behrang, who attended Lewisham Public School and Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus, this scholarship supports refugee and First Nations students facing financial hardship and other barriers to education. Support carries students through the transition into Years 9 and 10 at Leichhardt Campus, helping them stay engaged and build confidence in their learning journey. | Apply now |
| Big Picture Learning Australia Scholarship | Australia-wide | 7-12 | Supporting students facing equity, social or physical hardship at schools within the Big Picture Learning Australia network, helping them pursue their interests, educational goals and career aspirations. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students in Years 7-12 at BPLA network schools, with older students also gaining access to mentoring and tutoring support. | Apply now |
| Campbell-Carter Scholarship (Secondary) | Australia-wide | 7-11 | Supporting public school students from regional, rural and remote areas across Australia who are facing economic and social disadvantage, with particular preference given to students with disability. Open to secondary, primary and tertiary students, helping them stay engaged in education and continue on to further study. Applicants must be enrolled in a public school in a regional, rural or remote area. | Apply now |
| Capital Chemist College Scholarship | ACT | 12 | Supporting Year 11 students at ACT’s public secondary colleges and specialist schools who are heading into their final year of secondary education in 2027. Three scholarship categories recognise academic excellence, community citizenship, or particular skill or need, helping students stay engaged in school and prepare for life after Year 12. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students attending one of the eligible ACT colleges. | Apply now |
| Connected Communities Scholarship | NSW | 7-11 | Supporting students in need at NSW Connected Communities high schools outside the Sydney metropolitan area, with a focus on students passionate about learning, technology, sport or the creative and performing arts. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students in Years 7–11 (in 2027) at one of the eligible schools, with support continuing into TAFE or university for those completing Year 12. | Apply now |
| David S Ratner Scholarship (Secondary) | NSW | 7-11 | Supporting NSW public school students from Kindergarten to Year 12 facing family hardship, helping them reach their academic potential regardless of disadvantage. Consideration is given to applicants whose family identifies as Jewish and who show potential to thrive with additional support. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students attending a NSW public school, with support able to continue into university or TAFE. | Apply now |
| Emorgo Scholarship for Music | NSW | 7-9 | Assisting a talented musician commencing or continuing at the Conservatorium High School, supporting their musical studies and helping them reach their musical ambitions. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students entering Year 7 in the Junior Vocal Stream or majoring in woodwind, or existing Year 7–9 students majoring in woodwind or French Horn. | Apply now |
| Fennell Scholarship for Girls in STEM (Secondary) | NSW | 11-12 | Supporting young women from Greater Western Sydney public schools with a strong interest in STEM, helping them complete senior secondary school and pursue further tertiary study in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Preference is given to students from a refugee background experiencing financial hardship. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident female students currently in Year 10 (secondary) or Year 12 (tertiary) at a NSW public high school. | Apply now |
| Friends of Zainab Senior Secondary Scholarship (Year 11) | Australia-wide | 11 | Helping refugee students at Australian public schools through the critical final years of their High School Certificate, easing the financial pressures that can get in the way of finishing school. Support continues across Years 11 and 12, helping students stay engaged, keep up their studies, and build toward tertiary education. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident refugee students who will be in Year 11 or Year 12 next year. | Apply now |
| Friends of Zainab Senior Secondary Scholarship (Year 12) | Australia-wide | 12 | Helping refugee students at Australian public schools through the critical final years of their High School Certificate, easing the financial pressures that can get in the way of finishing school. Support continues across Years 11 and 12, helping students stay engaged, keep up their studies, and build toward tertiary education. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident refugee students who will be in Year 11 or Year 12 next year. | Apply now |
| Lilly Murphy Memorial Scholarship | VIC | 10 | Supporting Victorian public school students who are passionate about equity and social justice, helping those whose personal circumstances might otherwise stand in the way of reaching their full potential. Named in memory of Lilly Murphy, the scholarship carries forward her commitment to causes like climate action, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ equality, First Nations sovereignty and worker rights, and includes access to tutoring and mentoring support. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| Manifold Road Creative Scholarship | NSW | 10 | The Manifold Road Creative Scholarship, funded by the Houston Group, offers up to six Western Sydney public school students (currently in Year 10) $1,000 per year in Years 11 and 12 to pursue a career in graphic design, visual arts, or marketing, provided they demonstrate financial need, strong potential, and community involvement. | Apply now |
| Mrin and Prakash Nayagam Victorian Secondary Scholarship | VIC | 7 | Providing financial assistance to refugee and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students to support their secondary school education, helping those in financial need reach their full potential. Support extends across the full six years of high school, easing the cost of getting started and staying engaged all the way through to Year 12. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students currently in Year 6 at a Victorian public school who plan to move into a Victorian public secondary school. | Apply now |
| NSW Teachers Federation Refugee Scholarship (Secondary) | NSW | |||
| Patricia Long Conservatorium High School Scholarship | NSW | 7 | Supporting gifted young musicians whose financial situation would benefit from assistance to attend the Conservatorium High School, established through the estate of the late Patricia Long. Support can continue for up to six years of enrolment, helping students pursue quality music education and instrumental or vocal study. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students currently in Year 6 or transferring as a secondary student to the Conservatorium High School from 2027. | Apply now |
| PEF National Secondary Scholarship (Financial Hardship) | Australia-wide | 10-12 | Supporting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, refugee students, and students experiencing financial hardship as they move into their senior years of high school, helping remove barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of finishing school. Support runs across Years 10, 11 and 12, easing the ongoing costs of study through to graduation. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students at an Australian public high school who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| PEF National Secondary Scholarship (Indigenous) | Australia-wide | 10-12 | Supporting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, refugee students, and students experiencing financial hardship as they move into their senior years of high school, helping remove barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of finishing school. Support runs across Years 10, 11 and 12, easing the ongoing costs of study through to graduation. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students at an Australian public high school who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| PEF National Secondary Scholarship (Refugee) | Australia-wide | 10-12 | Supporting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, refugee students, and students experiencing financial hardship as they move into their senior years of high school, helping remove barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of finishing school. Support runs across Years 10, 11 and 12, easing the ongoing costs of study through to graduation. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students at an Australian public high school who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| Rural and Remote Indigenous Secondary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 11-12 | Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Australian public schools in rural or remote areas, helping them engage, strive and reach their full potential through their final two years of secondary education. Support continues across Years 11 and 12, funding the resources and services that help improve educational outcomes. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| Secondary Principals Council Scholarship | Finalising details | |||
| Una May Smith Scholarship (Secondary) | NSW | 7-11 | Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at NSW public schools to fully participate in and complete their schooling, helping them progress on to tertiary education or training. Established in honour of Una May Smith, a lifelong educator connected to La Perouse Public School, the scholarship is offered across every stage of schooling from Kindergarten to Year 11. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students currently in Years K-11. | Apply now |
| Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship | NSW | 11 | Supporting NSW public school students studying subjects connected to unionism, such as Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies or Modern History, and whose personal circumstances might otherwise limit their potential. Named in honour of the Hon. Jeff Shaw QC, a lifelong advocate for workers’ rights and public education, the scholarship carries forward the values of the union movement. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students who will be in Year 11 next year. | Apply now |
| VET in Schools Scholarship | Australia-wide | 9-11 | Supporting students at Australian public high schools who are pursuing vocational studies through school, with a focus on those facing significant financial hardship that could otherwise stand in the way of finishing school or training. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students who will be in Years 9-11 next year and are enrolling in or continuing VET studies (SBAT students are not eligible). | Apply now |
| Waratah Education Foundation Transition Scholarship | NSW | 7-8 | This scholarship is funded to make the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 and 8 easier. Rather than a single payment, it supports a student across both of their first two years of high school and provides a laptop up front so they start Year 7 with the equipment they need. | Apply now |
| Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Secondary Scholarship | NSW | 10 | Supporting public school students attending high schools in Western Sydney whose personal circumstances might otherwise limit their opportunity to reach their full potential. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students attending a Western Sydney public school who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| Woodcock Family Scholarship – Upper Hunter Valley NSW | NSW | 10 | Providing financial assistance and mentoring or career advice to high-potential students in need at public high schools in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW. Established by Singleton High School alumnus Justin Woodcock to give back to the region and to public education more broadly, the scholarship pairs financial support with career guidance through Years 11 and 12. Open to Australian citizen or permanent resident students at Muswellbrook, Scone or Singleton High School who will be in Year 10 next year. | Apply now |
| Scholarship | Location | Year (2027) | Overview | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEU Federal Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | The AEU National Tertiary Indigenous Teaching Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from public schools who are experiencing hardship to pursue a career in teaching through tertiary study. It is open to Indigenous students who are completing Year 12 at a public school in 2026 and intending to enrol full-time in a Bachelor of Teaching at an approved Australian public university in 2027. | Apply now |
| AEU Federal Refugee Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | Support for a refugee background student from an Australian public school stepping from Year 12 into university or TAFE. The scholar receives help to cover course fees, textbooks, a laptop and travel, with a relocation fee available for those moving away from home to study. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Education Union (Federal), with one scholarship offered each year. | Apply now |
| Department of Education NSW Tertiary Teaching Scholarship | Finalising details | |||
| Fennell Scholarship for Girls in STEM (Tertiary) | NSW | 12 | The Fennell Scholarship for Girls in STEM supports young women from Greater Western Sydney public schools who are experiencing financial hardship to complete their senior secondary education and pursue further study in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. It is open to female Australian citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in Year 12 at a NSW public high school and intending to enrol in a university or TAFE STEM course in 2027, with preference given to students from a refugee background. | Apply now |
| Friends of Zainab Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | The Friends of Zainab Tertiary Scholarship supports refugee students experiencing disadvantage to access and succeed in further education. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents (with case-by-case consideration for those without permanent status) currently completing Year 12 at an Australian public school in 2026, who plan to enrol full-time in a TAFE course or university degree in 2027. | Apply now |
| Helen MacGregor Teachers Health National Tertiary Teaching Scholarship | Australia-wide (non-NSW) | 12 | Support for a student from a public secondary school outside New South Wales starting a teaching degree at an Australian public university. The scholar receives assistance for three years to help cover course fees, textbooks, a device, internet and study-related travel. Delivered in partnership with Teachers Health, and named in honour of Helen MacGregor, a long-serving Director and Chairperson. | Apply now |
| National Regional and Remote Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | The National Regional and Remote Tertiary Scholarship supports high-achieving Year 12 students at regional, rural or remote public high schools across Australia who face hardship to pursue further study at TAFE or university. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents attending a school classified as Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote on MySchool, currently completing Year 12 in 2026, and committed to full-time study in 2027. | Apply now |
| National Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | The National Tertiary Scholarship supports high-potential Year 12 students at metropolitan public high schools across Australia who face hardship to pursue post-school education at TAFE or university. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents attending a school designated as a Major City on MySchool, currently completing Year 12 in 2026, and committed to full-time study in 2027. | Apply now |
| NSW Cookery Teachers Association Scholarship | NSW | 12 | The NSW Cookery Teachers Association Scholarship supports students committed to becoming Food Technology teachers in NSW public schools. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents currently completing the HSC at a NSW public school in 2026, who plan to study a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a major in Food Technology at university in 2027 and to teach in the NSW public school system upon graduation. | Apply now |
| NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Scholarship (Tertiary) | NSW | 12 | The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or refugee students experiencing hardship to pursue a career in nursing or midwifery. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents currently in Year 12 at a NSW public school, with a commitment to studying an NMBA-approved nursing or midwifery course through TAFE NSW or a NSW public university from 2027. | Apply now |
| NSW Teachers Federation Refugee Scholarship (Tertiary) | NSW | 12 | Support for a student of refugee background from a NSW public high school moving into study at TAFE. The scholar receives help to cover course fees, textbooks, a laptop, internet and travel, so the costs of study aren’t the reason a qualification goes unfinished. Delivered in partnership with the NSW Teachers Federation, one of four refugee scholarships the Federation funds each year. | Apply now |
| Nurses and Midwives Health – National Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | Support for a Year 12 student at an Australian public school heading into an NMBA-approved nursing or midwifery course at a public university or TAFE. The scholar receives assistance for three years to cover course fees, equipment, books and tutoring, with relocation support available for students moving from a rural or remote area. Delivered in partnership with Nurses and Midwives Health. | Apply now |
| Nurses and Midwives Health Scholarship (NSW) | NSW | 12 | The Nurses and Midwives Health Scholarship (NSW) supports motivated students experiencing hardship to pursue a career in nursing or midwifery. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents currently in Year 12 at a NSW public school in 2026, with a commitment to studying an NMBA-approved nursing or midwifery course through TAFE NSW or a NSW public university from 2027. | Apply now |
| Teachers Health Teachers National Tertiary Scholarship | Finalising details | |||
| Teachers Health Tertiary Teaching Scholarship (QLD) | QLD | 12 | The Teachers Health Tertiary Teaching Scholarship (QLD) supports high-potential Queensland public school students experiencing hardship to pursue a career in education through tertiary study. It is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents who are completing Year 12 at a Queensland public school in 2026 and are intending to enrol full-time in a Bachelor of Teaching at a public university in 2027. | Apply now |
| TRG Tertiary Scholarship | Australia-wide | 12 | This scholarship supports public school students heading into a career in architecture, interior design, urban design and town planning, civil engineering or project management. It is open to students completing Year 12 in 2026 anywhere in Australia who plan to start full-time study at a public university or TAFE in 2027, and who are facing hardship that could get in the way of taking that step. Applicants need to have a positive attitude to schooling and a record of contributing to their school or community. | Apply now |
